A family Farm Shop in a rural part of Rushcliffe is set to create a huge 50 foot wide bicycle made entirely of hay bales to celebrate the passing of the Tour of Britain national cycle race.

Tracy, Rupert, Samuel and Katie Harker from Harker’s Farm Shop at Clipston-on-the-Wolds will use part of their farmland to create the special land art that will take several hours to form using dozens of 70 stone round hay bales.

The idea came to the family’s attention after race organisers launched a national competition in June for the best and most eye-catching land art along the route of this year’s race, the seventh stage of which starts in Rushcliffe on Saturday September 8.

It could now be captured by the live coverage on ITV4 that will follow the cyclists as they race through Tollerton and Cotgrave near the farm.

Farm Shop owner Tracy Harker said: “We are so excited to celebrate the Tour of Britain visiting Rushcliffe and even more so that the cyclists will be racing close to us, so we really wanted to embrace the spirit of a national event on our doorstep.

“What better way to cheer them on than by putting our land and farm skills to use in a manner we hope many people will be able to appreciate.”

Deputy Leader of the Council Cllr Debbie Mason met the family as they discussed their agricultural art further and praised their planned creation.

She said: “It is inspiring to see the Tour of Britain capturing the imagination of our communities and celebrations such as Harker’s Farm Shop’s land art are to be applauded for their innovation.

“There are so many of our towns and villages getting involved, the effort groups and individuals are putting into welcoming the Tour is wonderful.

“I would encourage businesses, community groups, land owners and individuals to get involved and create land art wherever they can along the route.”

Councillor Kay Cutts, Nottinghamshire County Council Leader, welcomed the farm shop’s plans and encouraged other landowners and residents across the county to get involved.

She said: “At 215kms, we are hosting the longest stage, so our county has a fantastic opportunity to showcase their creativity and have their efforts captured on live TV.

“National organisers were so inspired by the admirable efforts of our great county last year, they launched their national competition at the iconic Trent Bridge cricket ground to find the best and most eye-catching land art along the route of this year’s race.

“Last year we had so many examples of magical landart moments around the county provided by schools such as John Blow Primary School in Collingham and Newstead Primary School, not to mention Girton Sailing Club’s bike made of boats and of course, the much-talked about sheep creation by Coddington-based farmer Des Allen, which went viral on social media.

“It would be wonderful to see a Nottinghamshire winner – and whether anyone can top last year’s inspired sheep land art!”

Alternatively all interested businesses, community groups and individuals in the Borough can call 0115 914 8555 or email media@rushcliffe.gov.uk to find out more how they can celebrate the sporting spectacular in their neighbourhoods.